Program Note:

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This piece is a musical space to take a moment for self-care, meditation, and slow breathing. It is my reflection on our connection with nature and its power to soothe and heal, both mentally and physically. For me, one way to connect with nature is through smelling flowers, one of my favorites being lilac, which brings back childhood memories. I remember sticking my nose into a bunch of blossoms and simply enjoying the present moment, without reflecting on the past or worrying about the future. When I miss my hometown, I can smell lilacs any place in the world, and that makes me feel like I'm close to home. I decided to use the "vocalise" genre for this piece so that it can be understood by the audience regardless of what language they speak. I hope this helps the listener focus on their own perception of smell, and allow them to reflect on their own personal memories associated with flowers.